MORE than 100 homes will be built on land next to Southport hospital after plans were approved, despite protests from campaigners that there was not enough affordable housing.

Developers Keepmoat Homes have agreed to just 15% social housing, which help first time buyers get their foot on the property ladder, out of a possible 30%.

They argued that the lack of affordable houses was not down to profitability but the viability of the building on the former Victorian tip on Town Lane.

Councillors voted the proposals through unanimously after hearing from both sides and considering a report which recommended the plans for approval.

It said: “Overall, the proposed development will ensure that a redundant, heavily contaminated site is remediated making a significant contribution towards the council’s market housing supply.

“It will provide for much-needed supported living and affordable housing in an area of high demand and making available a large public open space.”

As well as 99 homes, there will be eight special care apartments, two wheelchair access bungalows and a five bedroom supported living house, as well as more parking for staff at the hospital and landscaping improvements.

They will have to pay £160,000 towards a cycle route north of the site.

Protest campaigner Marie Wade presented a petition at the meeting, based on the lack of affordable housing.

She said: “There are around 7,000 people on the social housing list, there should be a greater number of affordable housing being built.”

After Tom Merrills of Keepmoat Homes defended the proposals, Cllr Fred Weavers highlighted the lack of amenities near the site.

He said: “You are asking people with disabilities to live here but there is not a shop within half a mile.”

He went on to raise concerns about traffic issues, especially if plans for more than 700homes on Town Lane are approved later this year.

He said: “There will be an additional 1,000 houses in the area, with the plans for the other development.

“The costs of traffic lights are quite considerable but that is what we need. It is just a question of whether the council can afford it.”